Neighbors: St. George Street south being repaired
St. Andrew's Court descendant Eric Brock told us a story about his uncle Joe Colee, now deceased. Joe was in the Navy during World War II. He was stationed on the battleship Missouri, "The Mighty Mo."

Students around state to read together
"Not only is reading is the key to learning and the foundation for success in school and life, but it is fun," said Bush. "With less than one week to go, I am encouraged by the overwhelming number of students, principals, teachers and parents committed to making Florida the new Guinness World Record holder."

Civil Rights film showing is Saturday
When Jeremy Dean's film about the civil rights movement
and its legacy in St. Augustine, titled "Dare not Walk Alone: The War
of Responsibility," previewed in February at Flagler College, an
overflow crowd mandated a second showing that preempted the promised
community discussion. The St. Augustine Foot Soldiers Remembrance
Project will remedy that at 7 p.m. on September 30 with a discussion led
by Dr. Robert B. Hayling and other civil rights foot soldiers,
following a showing of the film at the Galimore Center, 399 Riberia
St. Donations from ticket sales to the event will help fund a civil
rights memorial in the Plaza de la Constitucion. Tickets are
available from members of the Project.

Flagler professor's book signing Saturday
Carl Horner, English professor at Flagler College, will discuss facing "the obverse of loneliness" during a public reading of his critically acclaimed novel, "A Hole in the Wind," at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Border's bookstore on Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville.

Series beginning at Flagler College
With the fall mid-term elections looming and control of Congress hanging in the balance, David Cook, senior editor and Washington bureau chief for the Christian Science Monitor, will speak at the Flagler College Forum Oct. 10 about "The political scene and the outlook for the 2006 elections."

In service
Air Force Airman Roman Miller has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.He is the son of Jerry Miller of White Oak, Texas, and Melissa Miller, Ponte Vedra Beach, and he is a 2006 graduate of White Oak High School.

Go & Do
TODAY
Free concert: The last concert in this year's Music by the Sea concert series will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach pier pavilion, on A1A South. The First Coast Jazz Orchestra will perform and food will be served beginning at 6 p.m. by South Beach Grill. Bring a blanket or chairs for seating at the free concert. Call 347-8007.

Game theory topic for Flagler lecture
World-renowned game theorist, Dr. Ariel Rubinstein, an economics professor at New York University and Tel Aviv University, will visit Flagler College to discuss "John Nash, A Beautiful Mind, and Game Theory" on Oct. 6, at 3 p.m., in the Flagler College Auditorium.

Health insurance premiums continue to soar
WASHINGTON -- For the seventh straight year, premiums for employer-based health insurance rose more than twice as fast as overall inflation and wages, an annual survey of employers shows.

TSA relaxes rules on liquids
WASHINGTON -- You'll still have to toss bottled water and other drinks before going through airport security, but starting today, travelers will be allowed to pack travel-size toiletries and cosmetics with their carry-on items.

Tutors prepare kids for preschool
LOS ANGELES -- Hunched over a small table at a west Los Angeles learning center, Sehajpal Singh is a study in concentration as he figures out that the dots on his worksheet add up to 10.

Geddings paid by lottery firm before games arrived in N.C.
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Four years before North Carolina lawmakers created the state lottery, a for-profit lottery company was paying former state lottery commissioner Kevin Geddings to work as a consultant, a company executive said Monday at Geddings' fraud trial.

Spellings outlines new proposals for higher education
WASHINGTON -- Looking to extend its education policies into America's colleges and universities, the Bush administration outlined new proposals Tuesday that some higher-education officials fear will lead to standardized testing at the collegiate level and trample on students' privacy.

General: Troop requests denied
WASHINGTON -- Adding to criticism of the Bush administration's prosecution of the war in Iraq, a retired senior general who commanded an infantry division in the conflict said Monday that requests by commanders in Iraq for more soldiers were repeatedly turned down.

Cracker Day canceled
Planned renovations to St. Johns County Fairgrounds have not been completed, so county officials said Monday they will be forced to cancel the 45th annual Cracker Day until next year.

Melee spoils two Casa Monica weddings
Brides can be awfully demanding, but they aren't nearly as bad as the wedding guests Sunday who trashed Casa Monica Hotel during a wild fist fight that featured 20 participants, broken furniture and crockery and one bride screaming at police in the street.

Geddings aide takes the stand
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Days after he was named to North Carolina's new lottery commission, Kevin Geddings warned an assistant not to acknowledge that a for-profit lottery contractor "is a client" of his public relations firm, the woman testified Tuesday.

Police Report: Three teens held in robbery attempt
FRUIT COVE
Three teens held in robbery attempt: St. Johns County Sheriff's Office reports said three Fruit Cove teens were arrested and charged with attempted robbery Sunday after an incident on a playground at Fruit Cove Middle School. Deputies met with nine victims, ages 13 to 15 years old, at one of the victim's homes.

Water district keeps same tax rate
PALATKA -- The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board is keeping its tax rate the same for the sixth consecutive year.

VFD probe reopened
Flagler County is reopening an investigation that the St. Johns Park Volunteer Fire Department misused equipment and materials to the benefit of an area resident, a county spokesman said Tuesday.

New curriculum readied
Minus the lava lamps and excuses for irresponsible behavior, high school is starting to look more and more like college.

Boy, 12, injured in collision with bus
A 12-year-old Sebastian Middle School student is in serious condition at Shands -- Jacksonville Medical Center following an early morning collision with a school bus.

Joann Jordan
Joann Jordan, 73, of St. Augustine, died Sept. 23, 2006, at her home. Mrs. Jordan was a native of Dothan, Ala., and had resided in St. Augustine for the past none years. Mrs. Jordan was a homemaker and a she was of the Christian faith.

Stephen H. Conway, Jr.
Stephen H. Conway, Jr., 85, of St. Augustine, died Sept. 20, 2006, at his home. Mr. Conway was a native of Waterbury, Conn., and had resided in St. Augustine since 1985, moving here from Fairfield, Conn. Mr. Conway was a retired linotype operator and he attended St. Anastasia Catholic Church.

Frances Jannette O'Dell
Frances Jannette O'Dell passed away quietly at home after a long illness with her son at her side Monday, Sept. 25, 2006. She was 80 years old. Mrs. O'Dell retired as a Deli Manager for Great American Supermarkets. She moved to the St. Augustine area a year ago to be close to her family that she loved very much. She thought the world of her sons and grandchildren and they brought her a great deal of joy and happiness. Her tender touch, warm smile, and gentle heart will long be remembered by her loved ones.

Deborah Ann Rafuse
Deborah Ann Rafuse, 57, of St. Augustine passed away Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006 after a long illness. Deborah worked for many years with Bellsouth in Jacksonville.

Jean Gilbert Koontz
Jean Gilbert Koontz, 80, of Georgetown died Sept. 24, 2006, at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Koontz was a native of Kansas City, Mo., and moved to Florida in the late 1960s. Mrs. Koontz was owner/operator of Jonfor Travel in St. Augustine. Mrs. Koontz worked in Palatka and Crescent City at the Chamber of Commerce, having recently retired.

Mary "Fran" Heisler Biddle
Mary "Fran" Heisler Biddle, 72, of Palatka, died Sept 22, 2006, at Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care Center. Mrs. Biddle was a native of Swainsboro, Ga., and moved to Palatka in 1955. Mrs. Biddle had worked for 40 years as a hairdresser, working with Palatka Hair Works and pretty as a Picture.

David S. Brown Sr.
David S. Brown Sr., 74, of Hastings died Sept. 25, 2006, at his home, Mr. Brown was a native of Panama City and had resided in Hastings most of his life. Mr. Brown served his country in the U.S. Army, and was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Mr. Brown was a pianist.

Robert Bowers
Robert Bowers, 62, of Gadsden, Ala., died Sept. 24, 2006, at N.E. Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston, Ala. Mr. Bowers was a native of St. Augustine and had reside in Etowah County for the past 20 years. Mr. Bowers served his country as a U.S. Coast Guard and was a member of Crosspoint Community Church, working with the Coosa Christian School Athletic Programs.

Steven P. Hubbard
Steven P. Hubbard, 52, went to be with the lord our and savior on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006. Steven was born in San Diego and was a resident of Palm Coast. Steven was a graduate of the University of Florida with a Master's Degree in Agriculture Economics.

Letter: Torture is never acceptable
Editor: The Geneva Convention prohibits torture, cruel humiliating or degrading treatment. The United States cannot hide behind "War on Terror'' to use interrogation methods that violate human rights and dignity, utilizing the concept of rendition and having others do our daily work is not justifiable under any circumstance.

Perspective: War in Iraq or police action?
WASHINGTON -- Fifty-six years ago, President Harry S. Truman sent American troops into a war in Korea and called it a "police action." For most of the last three years, President George W. Bush has been conducting a police action in Iraq and calling it "a war."

Editorial: Lunsford Act requirements cost schools too much
Sometimes really, really bad laws come out of the best of intentions.
That's the case with the Jessica Lunsford Act, the law created in reaction to the abduction and murder in March 2005 of a 9-year-old Homosassa girl. The man charged is a sexual predator.

Perspective: Today's Islamists lack a sense of irony
In the West Bank and Gaza, Muslims attack seven churches.
In London, the ever-dependable radical Anjem Choudary tells a demonstration at Westminster Cathedral that the pope is now condemned to death.
In Mogadishu, Somali religious leader Abubukar Hassan Malin calls on Muslims to "hunt down" the pope. The pope not being quite at hand, they do the next best thing: shoot dead, execution-style, an Italian nun working in a children's hospital.

Letter: Ponce project will be environmental disaster
Editor: Ponce Associates LLC is requesting that the city of St. Augustine endorse its application for support under Florida's Brownfields Act to subsidize the cleanup of the former Ponce Golf Course (Arsenic still on U.S. 1 property, St. Augustine Record, Sept. 21.)

NASCAR considering changes to All-Star format
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) NASCAR's championship-deciding system isn't the only thing about to be changed. The annual All-Star race is also being examined by series officials for tweaks to its format, The Associated Press has learned.

Evernham not throwing in the towel just yet
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) --What a roller-coaster year its been for Ray Evernham, the car owner who hoped to use the Chase for the championship as a springboard to lift him from this season of strife, struggle and, yes, scandal.

Morelli, Bartram sharp in girls golf
Gianna Morelli is in making quite a name for herself -- as a freshman.
The No. 1 golfer at Bartram Trail led the Bears to the St. Johns River Athletic Conference title Monday at St. Augustine Shores.

The day after: City savors a sweet victory but issues remain
NEW ORLEANS -- The beignets at Cafe Du Monde tasted especially sweet. A French Market musician pounded out a peppy tune on his keyboard. Smiling -- if somewhat weary -- revelers strolled through the narrow streets of the French Quarter in their Reggie Bush jerseys and "Home Sweet Dome" T-shirts.

Local Roundup
St. Joseph beat St. Augustine 162-196 in boys golf Monday at Royal St. Augustine.
Antonio Martinez took medalist honors with a 34 for the Flashes.

Mistakes doom Jags against Colts
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars felt like they did enough good things to win at Indianapolis. They scored early, controlled the clock, stopped the run and limited big plays.

Dolphins need for Brown to carry the load
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Ronnie Brown's 23rd carry was his best.
With the game on the line and his qualifications as a workhorse back still in doubt, Brown busted loose for a 27-yard run midway through the fourth quarter Sunday. His longest gain of the season set up the tie-breaking field goal that gave the Miami Dolphins their first victory this year.

No match for Saints
Flagler College's 3-0 volleyball win over Embry-Riddle Tuesday night was just as smooth as its transition to NCAA Division II.
And just as smooth as its rebuilding project after losing six key players from last season.

Monday's NL Capsules
CINCINNATI -- Ken Griffey Jr. moved into a tie with Reggie Jackson for 10th place on baseball's career home run list with a three-run, pinch-hit shot Monday in the eighth inning of Cincinnati's 5-4 victory over Chicago.

Welcome Home
NEW ORLEANS -- The Superdome got a new roof after Hurricane Katrina. The New Orleans Saints did their best to blow it off again.

Zimmerman lifts Nationals past Phillies
WASHINGTON -- Ryan Zimmerman went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs Tuesday night, leading the Washington Nationals to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, who are trying to reach the postseason for the first time since 1993.

Cities, state to hold affordable housing seminars
TALLAHASSEE -- The newly formed Institute for Community Housing will hold a series of seminars in Orlando to help local governments find affordable housing solutions, officials announced Tuesday.

Kempthorne, Bush, environmentalists meet
ORLANDO -- Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Gov. Jeb Bush promoted cooperation between government and the private sector on environmental conservation Monday during a tour designed to gather input from citizens on federal environmental programs.

Motorcycle shop owner charged in biker's death
ORLANDO -- A motorcycle shop owner who has appeared on the Discovery Channel's "Biker Build-Off" was arrested Monday and charged with drunken driving manslaughter in the traffic death of a biker.

Panel OKs land buy for roads in Panhandle
TALLAHASSEE -- A legislative panel on Tuesday approved spending millions in state money for land on which to build future roads in the Panhandle, hoping to accommodate the region's growth by purchasing the land while it's available cheap.

News briefs from around Florida
Man kept alive 48 days without heart heads home after transplant
MIAMI -- A man whom doctors kept alive for 48 days without a heart was headed home from the hospital Monday afternoon.

Immigration sweep nets 163
NAPLES, -- A total of 163 illegal immigrants were arrested during a weeklong sweep, federal authorities said Monday.
Authorities arrested 26 people who were either convicted of or arrested for crimes committed in the United States.

News briefs from around Florida
Research center gets financial support
WEST PALM BEACH -- State lawmakers agreed Tuesday to award $32 million to bring a medical research center to Port St. Lucie.

Report: Iraq war builds Islamic resentment of United States
WASHINGTON -- By offering the public a glimpse of a once-secret analysis on global terror trends, the White House gave an election-year gift to both parties: the document bolsters President Bush's argument that the only choice is to stay in Iraq and win. But, perhaps even more, it helps his critics who argue the war was a mistake almost from the start.

Papal gathering aims to quell controversy
ROME -- Pope Benedict XVI brought together diplomats from more than 20 Islamic countries Monday and told them that Christians and Muslims must overcome historical enmities and join to reject all forms of violence and intolerance.

Polls find most Iraqis want immediate U.S. withdrawal
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A strong majority of Iraqis want U.S.-led military forces to immediately withdraw from the country, saying their swift departure would make Iraq more secure and decrease sectarian violence, according to new polls by the State Department and independent researchers.

False rumors mark 5-year hunt for Osama
He was blown up in the caves of Tora Bora. He was on dialysis and dying of kidney disease. He was in the hands of Pakistani intelligence and about to be turned over to the United States.